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Rates of neurodevelopmental and mental disabilities among children have risen 16% over the past decade, according to a study analyzing two CDC National Health Interview Surveys. Researchers also found the highest rates of disabilities among children living in poverty. The findings were presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies' annual meeting.

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Caregivers of children with autism may face greater challenges in meeting the needs of their children than parents of children with other disabilities, according to a review of data from the 2009–2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. The study showed that these caregivers often have trouble accessing services because of, among other reasons, eligibility, availability and appointment delays.

Premature birth was associated strongly with increased odds of infant and young adult death, autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder according to an analysis of data on more than 3.3 million Swedish children born between 1973 and 2008. However, researchers said certain conditions previously linked to premature birth, including severe mental disorders, learning disabilities and suicide, may be more closely connected to other familial risk factors. The findings appear in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

Researchers in a recent study of nearly 300,000 Australians found that life expectancy for individuals with mental illnesses is lower than those without such disorders. They also reported that, in many cases, the diseases contributing to higher mortality rates among this group are treatable. The findings suggest a need for grouping mental- and physical-health services together and providing more support to individuals with mental-health issues, researchers said.

As many as 20% of youths aged 3 to 17 have a mental disorder in any given year, CDC researchers reported on Thursday. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was the most common diagnosis, followed by behavioral conduct issues and depression. The annual estimated cost for children's mental health services was $247 billion, the CDC said.

The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has directed the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to improve oversight and collect data on how private voucher schools are serving students with disabilities during the 2013-14 school year. The agency's action follows complaints by some parents that some schools had denied enrollment or kicked out students because of their disabilities.